Iran Football Team responds to Donald Trump over FIFA World Cup safety comments: ‘No one can exclude us'

The Iranian football team said that the American team should be excluded from the tournament as Donald Trump couldn't guarantee the safety of their players.

Updated on: Mar 14, 2026, 19:43:26 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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The Iranian football team responded to Donald Trump's recent comments, stating that no one can prevent them from playing in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the USA. On Thursday, Trump posted on social media that the Iranian team were welcome for the tournament, despite his country's ongoing war with Iran, but it would not be appropriate for them to travel to the USA, 'for their own life and safety.'

The Iran football team responded to Donald Trump's recent comments.

Taking to Instagram, the Iranian football team said that the American team should be excluded from the tournament as Trump couldn't guarantee the safety of their players. All three of Iran's World Cup group-stage games are scheduled to be held in the US. Trump's social media post came after Iran's sports minister Ahmad Donyamali told state TV that the country couldn't participate in the tournament due to the ongoing war.

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Taking a U-turn from their sports minister's words, the Iranian football team stated, "The World Cup is a historic and international event and its governing body is FIFA — not any individual, country".

"Certainly, no one can exclude Iran’s national team from the World Cup; the only country that could be excluded is one that merely carries the title of ‘host’ yet lacks the ability to provide security for the teams participating in this global event."

Trump's social media post came after FIFA chief Infantino stated that the US president had assured him of the Iranian team's safety. Meanwhile, in December last year, Infantino also created the FIFA Peace Prize, awarding it to Trump.

Infantino wrote in a recent Instagram post, "President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States."

"We all need an event like the FIFA World Cup to bring people together now more than ever, and I sincerely thank the President of the United States for his support, as it shows once again that Football Unites the World."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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